A fouler shade of haze hanging over East Bay

August 15, 2002

Fri, Aug. 09, 2002

By Kristi Belcamino

CONTRA COSTA TIMES

Ground-level ozone amounts have exceeded federal standards three times so

far this year, which means smoggier Bay Area skies.

Last year, the poor air quality exceeded federal standards on two days.

For three days this year, the ozone levels soared at monitoring stations in

Bethel Island, Concord, Livermore and Pittsburg. Last year, highs were

recorded in Bethel Island and Concord.

Over the past three years, ozone levels have exceeded federal standards at

the Livermore station three times, more than at any other monitoring

station, said spokeswoman Lucia Libretti of the Bay Area Air Quality

Management District.

If the levels exceed standards in Livermore one more time, the district will

have to adjust its clean air plan to meet federal standards. Adjusting that

plan would likely involve more regulations on industries and motorists, she

said.

To prevent these " exceedence " days from happening, Spare the Air day

advisories are issued the day before predictions of high temperatures and

stagnant air.

This year's fifth Spare the Air day was issued for today, especially in the

area east of the Caldecott Tunnel and the Santa Clara Valley.

When Spare the Air day advisories are issued, people are asked to car-pool

or take public transportation, bring lunch to avoid car trips during the day

and refuel after 6 p.m. so gasoline vapors will not contribute to smog

formation.

Spare the Air day advisories are also issued because high ozone levels can

be harmful to people's health. Air management district officials recommend

that vigorous outdoor exercise be limited to early morning or around sunset

when ozone levels decrease.

Children, the elderly and people with asthma and heart and lung conditions

are most affected by ozone levels, Libretti said.

Kristi Belcamino covers police, crime and public safety. Reach her at

925-945-4782 or kbelcamino@....

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